Ma Pi Leng Pass on the Ha Giang Loop
The Ma Pi Leng Pass (Mã Pí Lèng) is about 20 km of national road QL4C between Dong Van (Đồng Văn) and Meo Vac (Mèo Vạc). It runs above 1,200 m, and far below it the Nho Que River (Nho Quế) cuts through a deep gorge. On the loop it is the stretch most riders plan around.
You can ride it on your own bike, behind an easy rider or as part of Ha Giang Loop tours. The pass is a road, not a ticketed site, so the main costs are the ride and the river boat.
Riding the Ma Pi Leng Pass
Where it sits on the loop and what to expect.
Distance and time
From Dong Van to Meo Vac the road is 22 km, about 1 hour without stops. Add time for photos and for the river if you go down to the boats.
Ha Giang Loop map →Direction
Most itineraries ride the pass from Dong Van toward Meo Vac on day 3 of a 4-day plan, then continue to Du Gia. You can plan it the other way.
Ha Giang Loop itinerary →Fog and cold
Mountain weather changes fast. Fog can hide the gorge, and the highlands are much colder than Ha Giang City in winter. Dong Van reached 0.8 °C in a cold spell in January 2025. Bring layers and rain gear.
Best time to visit →Our pick: a tour over Ma Pi Leng
This 4-day loop passes the Ma Pi Leng stretch and the Dong Van geopark.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ma Pi Leng Pass tours
Loop tours, easy rider trips and car tours that cross the pass, with live prices and availability.
Nho Que River boats
The Nho Que River can be seen from the pass and from the water. Boat fares run about VND 120,000 to VND 150,000 per adult in 2026. The figure depends on the pier and the year, so ask at the ticket booth before you pay.
Boats run in summer. Season, last departure and timetable vary, so ask locally and do not count on a boat in every month. After heavy rain the river carries mud and does not always look turquoise. The approach from Pa Vi (Pả Vi) to the car park at Nho Que 1 is about 10 km.
Treat the river as something to see from the boat, not as a place to swim or paddle.
The closed rock ledge and the view from the road
What is closed and what is not.
The closed ledge
Since 1 July 2026 the rock ledge known as Mom da song ao (Mỏm đá sống ảo) in Ma Pi Leng village has been closed to visitors until further notice, for works and safety. Do not plan a stop there.
What the closure covers
The closure covers that ledge. It is not a closure of the whole pass road, and it does not by itself close every walk or viewpoint sold under the word skywalk. Ask which place an offer means before you book.
The view from the road
From the road you look down into the gorge and onto the river. Stop only where the road allows it and keep clear of the edge.
Because opening hours, fares and works change, check the current state on the day you ride. For most visitors, the pass suits a half day with a stop at the river, not a rush between two towns.
Places near the pass
Pages that pair with this stretch.
Ma Pi Leng Pass: frequently asked questions
How long is the Ma Pi Leng Pass?
About 20 km on national road QL4C between Dong Van and Meo Vac, above 1,200 m. The ride between the two towns is 22 km and about 1 hour without stops.
How much is the boat on the Nho Que River?
Fares run about VND 120,000 to VND 150,000 per adult in 2026. Ask at the pier, because the price can vary.
Is the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk open?
The rock ledge Mom da song ao has been closed since 1 July 2026 until further notice. Do not plan a visit there.
Is the pass road closed?
The closure applies to the rock ledge, not to the whole pass road. Check conditions on your day, as fog, rain and works can slow the ride.
Are the boats running all year?
Boats are in use in summer, but season and timetable vary. Ask locally before you plan around a boat.
Can I swim or paddle in the Nho Que River?
Plan to see the river from the boat. Swimming and paddling are not something to count on here, and the water is muddy after heavy rain.